26 Narrative games like Final Fantasy III that you should try

What brings it close to Final Fantasy III is strong narrative focus, a sandbox world and magic-based combat, and the two track each other on genre, game mode and tone. To that it adds exploration and discovery, and an isometric view. They part company on visuals and setting: this one brings historical setting and a first-person view.

Same family as Final Fantasy III: strong narrative focus, a sandbox world and magic-based combat. Both also lean on single-player focus and an isometric view. The distance is in progression and setting — its own ground is tactical combat and a cyberpunk setting.

Same family as Final Fantasy III: strong narrative focus, a sandbox world and melee combat. Both also lean on an isometric view and fantasy world. The distance is in progression and combat — its own ground is tactical combat and historical setting.

What brings it close to Final Fantasy III is strong narrative focus, open world exploration and magic-based combat, and the two track each other on genre, game mode and tone. Both also lean on exploration and discovery, and single-player focus. The distance is in setting and visuals.

It shares the essentials of what Final Fantasy III does: strong narrative focus, open world exploration and melee combat. The common ground extends to an isometric view and post-apocalyptic world. Where the two diverge is combat and setting: stealth mechanics and a sci-fi setting.

On paper it is what Final Fantasy III is — strong narrative focus, magic-based combat and fantasy world — though the resemblance is mostly at that level. The common ground extends to single-player focus and an isometric view. Where the two diverge is progression and setting: tactical combat and a cyberpunk setting.

The genre is the same as Final Fantasy III’s, and with it strong narrative focus, magic-based combat and fantasy world. The common ground extends to 2D presentation and single-player focus. Where the two diverge is setting and combat: tactical combat and a sci-fi setting.

The genre is the same as Final Fantasy III’s, and with it strong narrative focus, open world exploration and melee combat. The common ground extends to exploration and discovery, and single-player focus. Where the two diverge is combat and visuals: tactical combat and skill tree progression.

The genre is the same as Final Fantasy III’s, and with it strong narrative focus, melee combat and fantasy world. To that it adds single-player focus and an isometric view. They part company on progression and visuals: this one brings crafting mechanics.

Same family as Final Fantasy III: strong narrative focus, magic-based combat and fantasy world. Both also lean on an isometric view and single-player focus. The distance is in progression and setting — its own ground is punishing difficulty and tactical combat.

Shelved next to Final Fantasy III for good reason: strong narrative focus, open world exploration and melee combat. The common ground extends to exploration and discovery, and single-player focus. Where the two diverge is setting and tone: cozy, relaxing feel and a space setting.

On paper it is what Final Fantasy III is — strong narrative focus, open world exploration and magic-based combat — though the resemblance is mostly at that level. To that it adds fantasy world and single-player focus. They part company on setting and visuals: this one brings dark, oppressive atmosphere and a medieval setting.

It comes from the same genre as Final Fantasy III and shares strong narrative focus, magic-based combat and fantasy world. Both also lean on single-player focus and an isometric view. The distance is in progression and setting — its own ground is tactical combat and a cyberpunk setting.

Genre puts it alongside Final Fantasy III, and so does strong narrative focus, melee combat and fantasy world. Both also lean on an isometric view and single-player focus. The distance is in setting and combat — its own ground is tactical combat and a medieval setting.

Shelved next to Final Fantasy III for good reason: strong narrative focus, magic-based combat and fantasy world. The common ground extends to single-player focus and an isometric view. Where the two diverge is setting and game mode: co-op play.